If you do not agree with a benefit decision
For Social Security Scotland benefits
You can ask Social Security Scotland to look again at what they've decided if either:
- you've had a letter telling you that you're not going to be paid a Social Security Scotland benefit and you think you should
- you think the amount you're going to be paid is wrong
Social Security Scotland benefits include Best Start Grant, Best Start Foods, Funeral Support Payment, Job Start Payment and Young Carer Grant.
How to ask Social Security Scotland to look again at what they've decided
For:
- Best Start Grant
- Scottish Child Payment
- Young Carer Grant
- Funeral Support Payment
- Carer's Allowance Supplement if you have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland but live outside of the United Kingdom in the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
There are 2 ways:
- by calling 0800 182 2222 (freephone, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- applying by paper form and returning your completed form to: Social Security Scotland PO Box 10303 Dundee DD1 9FY
You’ll also get this form with the letter telling you whether you’ll be paid the benefit.
From the day you're told whether you'll be paid a Social Security Scotland benefit, you have 31 days to ask Social Security Scotland to look again at what they decided. If you want to ask Social Security Scotland after the 31 days have passed, you'll need to let them know the reason why. If you do not provide a reason, Social Security Scotland will refuse your request.
If your request was delayed more than 31 days because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you'll need to let them know this reason when you call or fill out the form. Social Security Scotland will look at late requests received on or after 7 April 2020 if the reason given is coronavirus (COVID-19).
For Child Winter Heating Assistance:
There are 2 ways:
- calling 0800 182 2222 (freephone, 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- applying by paper form and returning your completed form to: Social Security Scotland PO Box 10303 Dundee DD1 9FY
You’ll also get this form with the letter telling you whether you’ll be paid the benefit.
From the day you're told whether you'll be getting Child Winter Heating Assistance, you have 42 days to ask Social Security Scotland to look again at what they decided. If you want to ask Social Security Scotland after the 42 days have passed, you'll need to let them know the reason why. If you do not provide a reason, Social Security Scotland will refuse your request.
If your request was delayed more than 42 days because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you'll need to let them know this reason when you call or fill out the form. Social Security Scotland will look at late requests received on or after 7 April 2020 if the reason given is coronavirus (COVID-19).
After Social Security Scotland has got your request
Social Security Scotland will contact you to:
- confirm they've got and are able to look at your request
- find out if there's anything else they need from you
From the day of getting your request, Social Security Scotland has 16 working days to make a decision. After these 16 working days have passed, you'll be sent a letter to let you know what they've decided.
Due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) Social Security Scotland now have 61 working days to make a decision if your request was sent on or after 7 April 2020. They will aim to make a decision as soon as possible, but it may take up to 61 working days for them to let you know. You still have the right to appeal if they tell you they have not been able to look at their decision again within 61 working days.
If you do not agree with a new decision
You have the right to appeal a decision about your benefits for:
- Best Start Grant
- Scottish Child Payment
- Young Carer Grant
- Funeral Support Payment
- Carer's Allowance Supplement if you have a genuine and sufficient link to Scotland but live outside of the United Kingdom in the European Economic Area or Switzerland
- Child Winter Heating Assistance
Appeals go to the Social Security Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (the Tribunal).
You can appeal to the Tribunal if:
- you do not agree with what Social Security Scotland decide
- Social Security Scotland tell you they have not been able to look at their decision again within 16 working days
You cannot appeal to a Tribunal for Best Start Foods or Job Start Payment.
If you need help filling in your form
Call free on 0800 182 2222 if you need help or a new form. You can also get help with your form from groups such as Citizens Advice Scotland.
For any other UK benefits
You can find out more about how to challenge a benefit decision about any other UK benefit on GOV.UK.
This includes things like:
- Universal Credit
- any type of Tax Credits
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